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Boy, 5, still fighting for life after Hursley car fire

A YOUNG boy is still fighting for his life after he was dragged from a blazing car in a village near Winchester.

The five-year-old remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital, while his mother and six-year-old sister are being treated for serious burns.

They were saved from the fireball by Alan Beusmans (pictured below) and his son William, who have been hailed heroes after they risked their lives to save the young family.

They put their lives on the line to rescue the 37-year-old mum and her two children from Southampton after their Ford Fiesta became engulfed in flames on a remote country road.

Last night details of what caused the fire remained a mystery.

Hampshire Constabulary were tight-lipped over the type of investigation taking place, while Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service would only say that a joint investigation is is being held with the police.

Police declined to say where the young family had been or where they were heading when the incident happened.

They were also unable to comment of the whereabouts of the children’s father.

A spokesman would only say that the next of kin has been informed.

Yesterday the quiet, close-knit community of Hursley village, near Romsey, was coming to terms with the horrifying incident, which happened in Merdon Castle Lane on Monday evening.

And sections of the community have hailed the father-and-son duo as heroes.

Mr Beusmans, a 64-year-old grandfather of three, told the Daily Echo he and his son were the first on the scene and described the traumatic events that unfolded as they embarked on a fishing trip.

He said he saw the woman and her young girl standing by the side of the car as it was well ablaze with the young boy inside.

“We thought we’d run to assist the lady, who had flames coming up around her legs”, Mr Beusmans said.

“She was pointing towards the car and that’s when I saw the other kid.

“I went over to the car and managed to get the door open – the boy was pressed up against the window.

“I burnt my hand opening it and the boy fell out of the car, and I managed to get him over to the other side.

“They were very distressed and I was shocked at what I saw but I managed to get myself together.”

As reported, the boy was airlifted to hospital in a life-threatening condition and police described the condition of the woman and girl as “serious”.

A police road block remained in place on a large section of Merdon Castle Lane throughout yesterday as officers carried out a thorough investigation.

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